Shadows of the New Sun

Synopsis

Gene Wolfe is one of the most important American writers to emerge in the latter half of the twentieth century. The fact that he publishes in the field of fantastic literature (which includes horror, science and speculative fiction) has meant that his significance has been largely unacknowledged beyond and, at times, even within the genre. Nevertheless, he remains the author of some of the most stylistically distinct, structurally complex, and intellectually invigorating imaginative fiction of recent years. This collection of interviews and essays places under one cover an amazing selection of difficult-to-find resources for the avid Gene Wolfe reader and scholar. Essays concern the nature of writing, including character, structure and the profession of the writer. Also included are a series of interviews with Wolfe and the holy grail of 'New Sun' aficionados: Books in the Book of the New Sun, previously only available in a rare small-press volume. This collection will inspire fans and scholars alike to commit themselves to debating new interpretations of Wolfe's fiction.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Tapestry of the South

Severian, an apprentice torturer, is summoned to the court of the Autarch, the supreme ruler of Urth. As he travels south through the decadent and corrupt Solar System, he encounters a cast of strange characters, including Dorcas, a prostitute, and Thecla, a mysterious woman.

Real Example: Severian witnesses a public execution, where the condemned man is tortured and killed with brutal efficiency. This scene shocks and disquiets Severian, foreshadowing the dark and violent world he will encounter.

Chapter 2: The Lamprey

Severian arrives at the Autarch's court and is introduced to the Hierodules, a group of male prostitutes. He is also assigned to work with Baldanders, a master torturer. Severian's sinister surroundings and encounters with depraved individuals test his moral compass.

Real Example: Baldanders teaches Severian the art of torture, demonstrating his cruel methods on a young thief named Fuli Thuram. Severian is horrified by the brutality but also fascinated by Baldanders' skill.

Chapter 3: The Pool of Fire

Severian investigates the death of a Hierodule named Azoun. His search leads him to the Pool of Fire, a place of intense heat and violence. He encounters Agia, a powerful and dangerous woman, and witnesses a spectacle of sadistic orgies.

Real Example: Severian sees a group of naked women tossing a newborn baby into the Pool of Fire. The infants' cries are silenced by the deafening roar of the flames, leaving Severian feeling numb and horrified.

Chapter 4: The Isle of the Dead

Severian travels to the Isle of the Dead to find the source of the Pool of Fire. He encounters a group of fishermen who are praying for good fortune. However, their prayers are soon answered in a twisted and gruesome way.

Real Example: A giant fish erupts from the water, its gaping maw filled with rows of razor-sharp teeth. The fishermen are slaughtered and their bodies torn apart, their cries echoing over the desolate island.

Chapter 5: The Tower of the Elephant

Severian returns to the mainland and travels to the Tower of the Elephant, a mysterious and ancient structure. He meets a wise old man named Master Palaemon, who teaches him about the history of Urth and the Autarch's true nature.

Real Example: Palaemon tells Severian the legend of Severian's own birth, revealing that he is himself a descendant of the lost House of Abele, an ancient royal lineage. This revelation shakes Severian to his core and sets him on a new path.